Which VPN service is compatible with Chromebooks?

Most VPNs work fine with Chromebooks but may apply some usage limitations. So, if you want to get all the great features of a quality VPN, you need to choose wisely – preferably one of the five choices on the list above.

Is having a Chromebook VPN extension a must?

No, Chromebook VPN extensions are not a thing. They don't exist. However, many VPNs boast extensions for the Google Chrome browser. While you can certainly use your VPN with a Chrome extension, if available, you will still be better off using the VPN app instead. The security and other features are better with the app. Also, it's easier to use.

Is there a VPN built-in in Chromebooks?

Not exactly. Chromebooks indeed include VPN capabilities that let you connect to a server. But you will still need a VPN to connect your Chromebook.

How can I set up a VPN on a Chromebook?

You must access the Google Play Store to set up your VPN on your Chromebook. After that, you can use the Android app or the Chrome extension, depending on your VPN.

Which is the better option, the Chrome extension or the Android app?

Chrome extensions are easy to install and use, keeping your web browsing safe. But they do not protect your whole device, only your browser traffic. Consider using the Android app instead so that all of your traffic remains safe within the VPN tunnel.

What is the best Chromebook security protocol?

The best security protocol you need for your Chromebook depends on your intended use. Some protocols prioritize high security over speeds, so using them requires the sacrifice of some of your connection speeds. In the same way, while still safe, the fastest protocols do not prioritize security or anonymity. So, if you want to use your device for gaming or video streaming, speeds are your top priority. The best balance between security and speed is in OpenVPN, an open-source protocol. This protocol will give you the needed speeds without sacrificing any protection in the process.

What is the best free VPN for Chromebooks?

None. Free VPNs will not protect your privacy. The few ones that do won't give a full-featured service.

Do VPN providers offer Chromebook apps?

Not every VPN provider offers Chromebook apps, but some do (as mentioned above). In most cases (but not all), even a VPN that does not have a Chromebook app will still have an Android app that will work fine on your device, but this is a hit-or-miss thing.

The 5 best VPNs for Chromebook in 2023

Sneak peek at using VPNs for Chromebook

Chromebooks, unlike ordinary devices, are specified laptops or tablets with Linux- based Chrome OS as their operating system. Google’s Chrome OS is affordable, user-friendly, and a fast operating system with built-in security features. However, these measures are insufficient for protecting users’ online privacy. Moreover, some sites are blocked for Chrome OS users, specifically for students. To evade all these barriers, you need to have a good VPN. Besides providing robust privacy and security features, the best VPNs offer dedicated lightweight Chrome OS or Android clients, enhancing compatibility with Chromebooks.

Chromebooks are customer-centric devices in that they are affordable, straightforward to use, and perfect to meet the digital needs of average users. It means Chromebook users should also use VPNs for thorough device security and online privacy like other users.

Although, VPNs’ primary use case is to keep users’ online activities private and anonymous. But the massive demand for online video streams has created a new purpose for VPNs: unblocking content in streaming sites limited according to a user’s physical location. It is something that VPN services can do easily while keeping you anonymous and secure online.

In addition, Edward Snowden’s revelations attracted the public’s interest and concern for online privacy and anonymity. Consequently, people have become enthusiastic about VPNs, leading to a surge of VPN service providers.

This abundance makes it easy to find a good VPN for Windows, Mac, and smartphones like Android and iOS. But if you are a proud Chromebook owner and user, how would you choose the right VPN?

Finding a good VPN for Chromebooks is a hard job that takes a lot of time, energy, resources, and a bit of expertise.

But don’t worry. We’ve done the work for you.

We’ve looked into the best VPNs in the industry to determine which ones better serve the needs of Chromebook users. This article lists our top five choices (and some that we don’t recommend), uncovers what to look for in a Chromebook VPN, and how to install one on your Chrome OS device.

Top Chromebook VPNs – The quick list

This article highlights each of the top five VPNs for Chromebooks in detail. But if you’re rushing to know the providers, here is a quick list.

NordVPN – It’s a fast service with solid encryption and optimal privacy and security features. It’s the best VPN out there and has an impressive global network.
Surfshark – An industry disruptor that allows for unlimited connections. It may be cheap, but Surfshark does not cut corners and has every feature you want in a VPN.
ExpressVPN – Every element in this VPN provider is fantastic, which is why it’s one of the best networks in the industry. The speeds are fast, and the privacy features are solid.
IPVanish – A quality provider that boasts encrypted storage on top of a fast VPN. Competitive speeds, a global server network, and unlimited simultaneous connections make this VPN desirable.
VyprVPN – A good service that is well suited even for the lowest budgets. It’s a good option for every task you will ever need, from a premium VPN at the most competitive price in the market.

A quick guide to using a VPN on a Chromebook

It only takes a few minutes to set up a Chromebook VPN; you need to follow these four simple steps:

Start by choosing a VPN service you like. NordVPN is our top choice, but you can pick any other.
Go to the Google Play Store. Search by name and download and install the available apps for your chosen VPN service.
Launch your VPN app and log in.
Choose a server in the network. Connect to it.

That’s it! You’re now protected by the VPN and can use it for whatever purpose.

Read also: The best VPN for Chrome today

What makes a VPN best for Chromebooks

If you want a good user experience on your Chromebook with a reliable, fast, and efficient VPN, then you can’t just choose the first name you come across.

Protecting your Chromebook effectively with a VPN needs to consider several factors.

Some of the most important metrics that you have to keep in mind include the following:

Speed. High speeds are necessary because almost every online activity you do will run more smoothly if your VPN’s speeds are high. Every choice in this list of top five VPNs for Chromebooks has excellent speeds.
Server network. Extensive networks give you the ability to unlock websites anywhere in the world. Also, a vast network doesn’t have many overloaded individual servers, so the connections are usually steady and fast.
Value for money. Everybody likes to get a good deal on any purchase. So why should you pay for a VPN that’s not giving back your money’s value in features? Among our five picks, three are priced at the industry’s standard, and the remaining two are cheap.
Ease of use. It is not just about friendly apps (indeed, you don’t want to spend much time dealing with arcane settings). Your VPN provider must offer you a ChromeOS or Android app that works with your Chromebook.
Privacy and security. Any VPN charging you for service must provide you with thorough digital security, privacy, and anonymity. At the least, your VPN must-have military-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, protection against DNS and IP leaks, and a strict no-logs policy from the provider.
Streaming. A good VPN must have enough bandwidth to support your HD video streams. It also needs to have enough servers strategically placed in the critical countries from which you can unlock the best content you want.